LAKE CITY, Fla. – Alvin Lee Henderson, Jr. passed away on Oct. 13, 2021 after a short battle with cancer in Lake City, Fla., his winter home. He was predeceased by Jean, his wife of 35 years, just six days prior to his passing.

Alvin was born in Port O’Connor, Texas to Ruby and Alvin Henderson. He leaves behind four sisters, Virginia (Henderson) Zehr, Myrtle (Smith) Martin, Ruby (Smith) Johnson, LuCindye (Smith) Anderson, and two brothers Elmer (Henderson) DeForest, and Russell Smith. He was predeceased by a brother Austin Smith.

He has six children George Henderson and Jimmy Henderson of Texas, Deborah Talacko of Whitefield, James Alexander of Harpswell, Samuel “Chuck” Alexander of Harpswell, and Abigail Hight of Freeport. Alvin also leaves behind many grandchildren and a great-granddaughter Stella who he took great delight in.

He grew up in Seadrift, Texas and later in Arkansas, helping on the family farm. He was exceedingly proud of his mother Ruby and her nursing career. He proudly served in the United States Navy for more than 20 years and retired with honors. He received several distinctions while serving, which accurately reflected his commitment to honesty and integrity. Alvin gave of his time and talents selflessly and his life reflected his generosity and love of family.

He was a brilliant airplane mechanic and could fix absolutely anything that might be broken, as well as things that were not! Alvin and Jeannie shared many adventures in their camper and traveled to Alaska, Texas, Tennessee, Oregon, Florida, and Maine. He could be counted on for hilarious cat meme’s, doting on grandchildren, and concise directions for completing tasks. Alvin preferred his Carhartt’s, t-shirt, suspenders, and chamois shirt over a button down and tie, and loved life in the South almost as much as he loved the “Holy elixir of life”, coffee with cream and sugar.

He was deeply loved and will be missed greatly.

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